Sunday, August 19, 2012

Another Tire Saved from the Landfill

I wouldn't call myself a tree hugger, but I do take reusable bags to the grocery store, I've switched all my monthly bills to paperless emails, and I always, always, turn the water off while I'm brushing my teeth. Every little bit helps. But let me tell you, this last project I just finished is going to skyrocket me straight to recycling queen status!

I turned a tire into an ottoman! And not just any ottoman. It's the kind of ottoman that you just want to sit and stare at for at least two hours with a glass of cold milk and a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies while your husband sits across from you nodding in amazement and approval.

I've been eyeing this ottoman for at least two years:

But, it's $522.99, and that's on Overstock.com (regular price $706). I wasn't trying to spend that much on an ottoman Especially when I know that if I think hard enough I can make it myself. After staring at my wish ottoman, I noticed that it looked a whole lot like, OMG, a tire. BINGO! I would make the ottoman out of a tire! Here's how it went down:

1) Jumped on Craigslist.com and searched for free semi-trailer tires (I wanted my ottoman to be a nice, round, full figured girl who isn't afraid to flaunt her curves). Found a company that sells used tires that had literally a mountain of tires they wanted to give away. Headed right over and picked my tire from the bunch.

2) Took her home and washed her up to remove any grease and grime.

3) Started at outer edge of tire, and glued rope to tire one line at a time, rolling tire as I went.

4) Got a sheet of plywood and cut two circles the size of the tire's inner hole. Attached wood circles to tire openings using self-drilling wood screws.

5) Attached top plates to plywood topped tire in locations where legs would be stationed.

(3 legs will support a round ottoman just fine, but 4 legs can be used for added stability.)

6) Screwed legs on...and she stood!

7) Cut and glued rope to wood circle to make the pattern I wanted. I used Crazy Glue the first time. I've since used hot glue and it worked as well.

8) A final double trim around the edges and done!

Can you believe she used to be a tire?!

I love her!

Here are a few others I've made. They're on my online store Home AttireTM

at www.homeattire.net. I'm not taking orders right now, but the store is still open for viewing.

Don't you just want to hug them? Tell me what you think of my tire ottomans.﻿P.S. If you decide to make a tire ottoman know that Manila rope is made of natural fibers from the abaca plant and is usually
treated before importing. The treatment applied to the rope can leave a somewhat
oily smell that may not be pleasing. If the smell of the rope is not to your
liking, a spray of any odor eliminating product can remove the smell. The smell
will resolve on its own in time as well. And, no, it doesn't smell like a tire! Just don't use a new tire, I'm sure that would smell like a tire.One other thing...I came up with this idea two years ago in 2012. Since I originally shared my idea it has spread across the Web like wild fire! I'm happy that so many people like my idea, and I only ask that if you decide to share my idea that you will give credit back to the source. I've seen more than a few people take credit for my idea with no mention of where they actually got their inspiration. So, remember...Be kind, what goes around comes around. ~Nikki

Hi thereI just discovered your blog, wow amazing on your ideas. I love this tire redo so much. Of course I will be attempting to make oneI think you should write a book on your cool ideas.Found you on Home Talk, post more girl :)deezie

Wow! What and awesome job.. Very creative..I Just happened to uncover an old tire in my garage I may have to try this... I was going to make a planter out of it but I love this Idea more... Cheers! Tania♥http://tcdesigns1968.blogspot.com/

That is amazing!!! Looks great and is a great way to recycle!!! I've been wanting to use tires for moveable garden plots but that looks like a great addition. I wonder if it would be water proof for out on a deck or porch??

Holy cow! That is so imaginative, and it looks fantastic! I love what your blog is about, I love repurposing, and you are very inspiring ;). I found you on hometalk, and I'm your newest follower! I'd be tickled if you came over and said "hey" in my neck of the woods, myclevernest.com. Hope you have a great week!Alyssa

Hi Delila, no it doesn't have a smell at all. I think it's because the older tires get the less they smell. I used an old, used tire. Scrubbing it with Awesome cleaner may have helped some, too, but I think it was more that it was old.

Hi Tinacat, I was just thinking the same thing last night. I know the robe is waterproof and the tire is obviously. I guess it would just be a matter of how strong Super Glue really is and sealing the top and bottom plywood bases and legs (if you use wooden legs). Let me know if you try it.

My son is moving into his first apartment (since college) and I have been looking for ideas .... this is fabulous! This week him and I are going to try this. My only question is would it be durable enough if someone sat on it. If not, what would you suggest I use? I am not the most creative person in the world, but the recycled tire has certainly captured my interest!

Hi Carol, both my kids have gotten caught testing it, by standing, sitting and laying on it, and it's doing just fine. My kids are 10 and 6 though, so they're not the weight of college boys!I went with a rather thin plywood for the top and base of the ottoman. If you want it to be used as everyday seating, you might want to use a thicker piece of plywood. Just not so thick that it's extending too far over the top of the tire. Let me know how it turns out!

W.O.W. That's all I can say! Wow! I have several tires laying outside (live on a farm) and I'm thinking I have a new craft to try now! I'm wondering if contractor's cement (comes in a tube like caulking)would work? Hmmmm,I'll try it and see! I'm a new follower! Love the blog, keep it comin'!

Great job and amazing that your thought process went "Ottoman, Tire!" BTW don't you hate it when the hubby's always decide we should mass produce after making a wonderful creation (saw your reply to another commenter about selling them).

I saw this on pinterest, you did a brilliant job, it's beautiful. Way to go! Also I love how you write, I about died when I read " wanted my ottoman to be a nice, round, full figured girl who isn't afraid to flaunt her curves." Very, very well done! I'm so glad that you got the ottoman you wanted for a fraction of the cost!

This is wonderful, I'm just curious, tho, I didn't see what the lengths of rope were in the bags that you bought--what would you supposed was your total yardage of rope used? (I tried to see if this question was asked already by scrolling through the comments, but my eyes grew weary--so sorry if it's a repeat!)

This is ridiculousy gorgeous - and one of the most impressive DIY's I have ever seen - amazing work!Happily following you - would love to have you come by and follow back when you get the chance!Hugs,Suzan

Niki, This so cool! It looks fantastic! I like repurposing, I never would have thought of using a tire but, it works! I have a old round ottoman that needs to be recovered and I am going to use your idea on using the 3/8 manila rope to cover it. The ottoman top is gorgeous! I'm your newest follower! and will check in often.Thanks, dee

As far as dust, I'll probably use the nozzle attachment on my vacuum. Accidental spills, no idea. I'll let you know when/if it happens. Cross your fingers with me and make a wish that it never happens!

I'm constantly excited about things I find on Pinterest. However, this is one of the most impressive to date!! Girl, you did an excellent job on this and it looks very high-end!! Kudos to your talent. I'd love to be your neighbor!!

Wow, super genious!!! I love it, I think I got an old tire in the garage. Maybe I should make one of these. Thanks for sharing. Oh by the way, I think you could have used Gorilla Glue. Comes in big bottles and is somewhat slow drying but glues things real good. Just a thought in case you decide to make another one.

I spotted this on Healthy Hybrid, on Facebook. How very clever of you! I bet you could sell some of these for half the Overstock price, and you would make out like a bandit! I would be sure to line up a buyer first...but if money is a bit tight, it's an idea. It's also fairly child and cat proof. Nice!

How amazing you are!! I was so enthralled with your project that I pinned it on Pinterest and joined your blog!! Whew! I agree with Tina B. You can make some nice bank on making these and selling them!

This is awesome. I want to do something like this. Where did you buy the 35 bottles of superglue for $18.00? The cheapest place I know is the Dollar Tree, but they are a dollar a bottle. You have been pinned on Pinterest. That is how I found you. I placed the pic of your re-purposed tire table on my FB account. I hope you don't mind.

I saw this on Pinterest. Just want to say, it's awesome! I love how it's made by you, cost wasn't too bad, and it really does look awesome! Well done, I think you've started a 'save the tyres from the dump' revolution!

You're absolutely BRILLIANT! But I'm sure you know that by now ;) Your ottoman is BEAUTIFUL. I need to network and find a contractor friend so I can get started on this incredible ottoman. Congrats on your blogging success as well!! You have by far the most comments I've EVER seen on a blog!!-Daydream Mom

Wow! This is incredible (saw it on Pinterest,) you are very creative, but I have to be honest, my favorite part of this entire project is that you saved a tire!!! You definitively earned your tittle your Highness!

Found you through House Beautiful's pick of the week. Love this project-- you go girl! Want to follow you using Google Reader, but you're not showing up. Know you're new to blogging, but can you turn on your blog's settings for RSS feeds? You'll get a ton more followers that way, since not everyone uses Google Friends.

Absolutely LOVE this project!! I put in a call to my Stepdad (truck driver) and told him to hook a girl up-I cannot wait to make one for my living room. I think it will fit perfect with my shabby chic beach decor.

YOU are the Queen! Not only of repurposing but of Great Tutorials as well. I might just be able to pull this off! I would buy this in s store, cuz now way does it look like some home made funky thing either! What is your next project?

YOU, my dear, are nothing short of brilliant! Oh shit, someone already used "brilliant". You are......I'm sorry there are just no words, you are that good. Keep it up! Your're gonna be a millionairess!

Absolutely magnifique! We've been looking for 'something round' for our small family room rather than our typical rectangle coffee table that just gets in my way and I think this is IT! Thank you for sharing!!

Your 'captcha' is a nightmare btw...even the audio and even the mp3. It took me 12 tries (at least) to get it right. That's a quick way to lose subscribers and comments sorry. I'll try it again and if it still is that hard it is not worth it to me nor my older friends who have a hard time with those things. I understand the need but there are ones that aren't so difficult.

Hi DBS, I have no idea how many hours it took. I used the time to relax, so I wasn't paying attention and just lost myself in the work. I went back to the tire shop and showed them the pictures. They were blown away!

Good thought Rae Ann. I looked for research on the sunject and there didn't seem to be any conclusive evidence of substantial offgassing from used tires. So, I think I will take your advice and find some kind of sealant.

About Me

So who am I? I'll be the tall girl you'll see at the thrift shop, home improvement store, garage sale, and yes dumpster...with a ruler in my pocket and my head tilted ever so slightly to the left, trying to imagine how I can transform that regular, everyday whatchamajiggit into my next home decor object of wonderfulness.